“We know that you are carefully introducing the technology you’ve garnered from the Paraxeans into the world economy. We would like to help in that process.”
“I’m not sure we need any help there,” Marc said. “We’ve been tracking our plan pretty well. In fact, I’m sure all of you know that last year was the first time in recent history that carbon emissions actually fell. And last month appears to be the first time the CO2 levels in the atmosphere also fell.”
“We are aware of that and are grateful for your efforts that have made that possible.”
“Thank you.”
“What we would like to see is a more equitable distribution of that technology,” the Chinese president said.
“Such as?”
“A more equitable distribution of the small fusion reactors for one.”
The Russian president smiled at Marc; he obviously wasn’t interested in a more equitable distribution of the reactors since Russia was the main consumer. They were re-exporting them as the powerplants of ships and locomotives.
“I don’t recall you having that concern when you were getting the majority of the large fusion reactors,” Marc said.
“We were simply taking advantage of what was offered. At that time, you were offering the fusion reactor to anyone who met your terms,” the Chinese president said.
“We were. However, at this time, we are at capacity on the small fusion reactors. We feel that the agreement we have with Russia will result in their equitable distribution throughout the world.”
“But this is hurting the economies of many of our countries.”
“Only by a small amount,” Marc replied. “I’m sure that the Russian economy will start to purchase more from your countries as the money starts to flow into it.”
“Of course we will,” the Russian president said.
“But it is disruptive changes such as that which we would like to manage,” the Chinese president said.
“I understand,” Marc said. “I know you would prefer to fight among yourselves for the economic opportunities and leave the rest of the world to pick up the crumbs. Our stated goal is to balance that out, and I see no reason to change that.”
President Novak stepped in to calm the discussion. “But you must see that we have to avoid too severe a change. If our economies fail, then they will bring the rest of the world economies down with them.”
“I am aware of that, and we are taking careful measures to ensure that doesn’t happen,” Marc said. “Our goal is for the world economy to improve.”
The French president jumped in. “The concession for polysteel that you’ve given to Algeria has had an adverse impact on French steel production. We would like to avoid things like that.”
“Unfortunately, that is impossible,” Marc said. “You were happy enough when the price of oil dropped. The price of steel dropping will benefit other parts of the economy, both in France and the rest of the world.”
“But you can see why we would be concerned,” President Novak said. “The U.S. steel industry is very worried about the impact of Algeria’s polysteel coming onto the market.”
“And they’re worried about us reaching a similar agreement with someone in the Americas,” Marc suggested. “Well, you can tell them that we are considering a similar license with Brazil.”
Everyone looked at the Brazilian ambassador. “I was only made aware that such discussions were in the works just before I came to this conference,” he said. “I’m told that Delphi has set a precondition of stopping all deforestation and the institution of a plan to regenerate parts of our rainforest.”
“It is just such a shock that we would like to avoid. If we are notified in advance, then our industries can start to shift their jobs and capacity around to lessen the impact,” President Novak said.
“If I believed that you would do that instead of trying to block the agreement, I would be more inclined to provide such notice,” Marc said.
“How can we assure you?”
◆ ◆ ◆
“You have five minutes to tell us how your meeting went,” Samantha said as Marc and Blake walked into their suite. “Then we have to get dressed.”
Jackie was just tipping the two hairdressers who had just finished putting the finishing touches on the women’s hair for their dinner at the royal palace.
“It wasn’t nearly as fun as yesterday,” Blake said. “I think they won most of the arguments.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Marc said.
“Well, you agreed to timeline the introduction of technology with them.”
“Sure, but I was always planning to do that. I was waiting until I could force concessions on helping out the third world countries as well as more focus on reducing environmental impacts.”
Chapter 15A Home at Last
“Governor Paratar, I’m Commander Farmer. I’ll be the Captain of the Sakira and in charge of the Delphinean forces for your colony mission. This is Lieutenant Beaulieu, my XO, and this is Lieutenant Payne, who will be the Captain of the Roebuck.”
“Thank you for meeting with me,” the governor said. “I am very excited to see the final preparations for our colony mission to Mangkatar. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make your job easier.”
“Since the Roebuck will be staying with you until the Galileo arrives to replace her, you’ll have use of her two Lynxes until that time. You need to decide how many total Lynxes you want so we can finalize the cargo space on the Sakira,” Liz said.
“I’ve noted that on my datapad. You’ll have an answer by tomorrow,” the governor said. “More cargo space would definitely be welcomed. However, what we could really use would be an antimatter reactor.”
“I’m sorry, but the president is steadfast on that point,” Liz said. “We cannot afford to give one up, and he also is of the opinion that you would be better served to learn to manage on less power.”
“He has made that point abundantly clear,” the governor said. His scowl told Liz how much he thought about Marc’s opinion on
